The Grunau Baby

Grunau Baby II,Udvar-Hazy Center, June 2024. Built in 1944, recovered by the USAAF, assigned number T2–2600. (Photo by Robert Sacchi)

Overview

In 1931 Edmund Schneider designed the Grunau Baby. Schneider’s company was based in Grunau, Germany.[i] With the great post-World War I interest in aviation there was a need for an affordable and safe glider with docile handling characteristics.[ii] The Grunau Baby met these needs for civilian and military aviation. Over 6,000 Grunau Babies were constructed. The U.S. Army Air Corps used Grunau Babies for flight training under the designation TG-27.[iii]

[i] The area is now called Jezow Sudecki and it is in Poland.

[ii] Pickledwings.com, Schneider Grunau Baby — A Soaring Sensation — Pickled Wings, last accessed 7/21/22.

[iii] Somanyaircraft.com, Grunau Baby (somanyaircraft.com), last accessed 7/21/22.

Grunau Baby II,Udvar-Hazy Center, 2016. Built in 1944, recovered by the USAAF, assigned number T2–2600. (Photo by Robert Sacchi)

Aircraft and World Development

The first Baby was a smaller version of the ESG 31 Schlesierland. Schneider got permission to use glider champion Wolf Hirth’s name in the Baby’s sales campaign. Hirth had nothing to do with the aircraft though many believed Hirth designed the plane. Hirth’s name, along with the aircraft’s good handling and performance, made the Baby a commercial success.[i]